Unleashed: Here I Bow

March 24th, 2026
by Chris Bower

For This Reason, I Bow: Understanding Our Identity in God's Kingdom

In a world that constantly tries to define who we are, there's something powerful about understanding our true identity in Christ. When we grasp the magnitude of what God has done for us, there's only one appropriate response: we bow.

Why Should We Bow Before God?

The apostle Paul gives us compelling reasons to bow our knees before the Father. We should bow because God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places. He has predestined us for adoption, redeemed us through Christ's blood, and given us an inheritance in Him.

We bow because He has sealed us with the Holy Spirit and given us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that we might know Him. He's pouring out the immeasurable greatness of His power through His church, seated us in heavenly places in Christ, and confirmed that we are His workmanship, created for good works.

What Does It Mean to Bow?

Bowing is a posture of humility, reverence, and honor. Think of an earthly king - when he's at home with family, he's simply "dad." But when he puts on his crown and robe and enters the throne room, everyone bows because they're honoring him as king.

There are times when Jesus manifests not as the gentle Lamb, but as the Lion of Judah. As good Christians, we love Savior Jesus, Friend Jesus, and the Good Shepherd. But we must also recognize when He steps in as King - and when He does, we bow.

How Does God Define Our Identity?

Scripture tells us that "from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named." This deals directly with our identity. Spiritually, we are either identified as children of God or children of the devil - there is no in-between.

What Happens When We're Born Again?

We completely change spiritual identities when we are born again.

Colossians 1:13
says God "has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son."

This transfer isn't like getting a promotion or changing jobs within the same company. It's a complete transference - an uprooting from the kingdom of darkness and a complete planting into the kingdom of God. We become new creations; the old has passed away, and all things have become new.

Where Should Our Identity Come From?

Every family receives its identity from how we respond to God. Our identity must be rooted in God and nothing else - not what the enemy wants to put on us, not what the world wants to label us, but only the identity that God gives us.

We may have many nicknames and titles throughout life, but none of those are our true identity. Our true identity is found when God calls us "son" or "daughter" in His kingdom.

What Are the Riches of His Glory?

Paul prays that "according to the riches of his glory, he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his spirit in your inner being." The word "riches" means abundance, fullness, and plenty. We could say it's the immeasurable riches of His glory.

Understanding Glory

The Greek word for glory, "doxa," has a wide range of meanings including honor, praise, dignity, magnificence, excellence, preeminence, and majesty. One source defines it as "the manifestation of the fullness of God."

When Jesus turned water into wine, Scripture says He "manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him." They didn't just believe because they saw a sign - they believed because they experienced glory.

Should We Chase Signs and Miracles?

While God certainly performs miracles, signs, and wonders, we shouldn't chase after these things. Scripture warns that "an evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign." The enemy can mimic signs, but he cannot mimic the glory of God.

Instead of chasing miracles, we should chase God. When we get into God's presence, miracles will happen and signs will occur, but our focus should be on pursuing Him, not the manifestations.

What Does It Mean to Experience His Glory?

When we honor God's presence and make room for the King, we position ourselves to host His glory. This isn't about chasing something - it's about welcoming the presence of God in a deeper way.

While we know doctrinally that God is omnipresent and always with us, there's something different about intentionally walking in His presence and acknowledging it. We're called to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord."

How Does Glory Transform Us?

When heavenly glory overlaps the earthly, something has to yield - and it's always the earthly that must yield to the supremacy and authority of the heavenly.

Second Corinthians 3:18 tells us we are changed from glory to glory.

When God's Spirit strengthens our inner being with power, Christ can make a permanent home in our hearts through faith. This goes beyond just being the temple of the Holy Spirit - it's about encountering God in such a way that there's an expression of who He is coming out through us.

Life Application

This week, challenge yourself to intentionally acknowledge God's presence throughout your day. Instead of just going through the motions of faith, take time to bow - both literally and figuratively - before the King of Kings.

Ask yourself these questions:

Am I living according to my true identity as a child of God, or am I allowing the world to define who I am?
Am I chasing after signs and experiences, or am I pursuing God Himself?
Is His heavenly glory overlapping my earthly life in such a way that Christ has a permanent home in my heart?

Remember, we've been completely transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. We are new creations with a new identity. For this reason - for all that God has done and continues to do - we bow our knees before the Father and walk worthy of our calling as His children.

Posted in UNLEASHED : Being Strong In The Lord